Interviewing is one of the most important parts of the job or internship application process—and also one of the most stressful. Whether you’re preparing for your first phone screen or heading into a second-round panel interview, being well-prepared can boost your confidence and help you stand out to employers.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key elements of successful interviewing and provide practical tips to help you make a strong impression from start to finish.
What Employers Look For
During interviews, employers are looking for more than just your qualifications on paper. They’re assessing:
- Job-Specific Skills and Qualifications – Can you do the job?
- Genuine Interest in the Role and Company – Do you want this job?
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills – Can you collaborate and communicate effectively?
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – How do you approach challenges?
- Cultural Fit and Soft Skills – Will you thrive in their environment?
Remember: preparation, enthusiasm, and professionalism go a long way.
Common Types of Interviews
Knowing the format of your interview can help you prepare accordingly. Here are some you might encounter:
- One-on-One: Traditional and focused.
- Panel: Multiple interviewers evaluating you at once.
- Group: Multiple candidates in one interview—teamwork and communication matter.
- Behavioral: Based on past actions to predict future success.
- Case: Problem-solving in action—common in consulting.
- Phone/Virtual: Often the first round—ensure good audio/video setup.
- Technical: Used in tech/engineering—demonstrate skill mastery.
- Situational: Hypothetical scenarios to evaluate decision-making.
- Informal/Coffee: More casual but still evaluative.
- Second-Round: More in-depth and often includes senior leadership.
Preparing for the Interview
Preparation is your secret weapon. Here’s how to get ready:
- Research the company, role, and industry.
- Practice answering common questions and using the STAR method for behavioral responses (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Plan your outfit based on the company culture—err on the side of professional.
- Test your tech for virtual interviews.
- Utilize resources like Big Interview and LinkedIn Learning.
Top Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)
Expect these frequently asked questions—and practice your responses:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this role/company?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe a challenge you overcame.
- What’s a project or accomplishment you’re proud of?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What questions do you have for us?
💡 Use the STAR method for any question that asks you to describe a past experience.
Don’t Forget to Ask Questions!
Always come prepared with thoughtful questions. Asking questions shows curiosity and helps you assess if the role and company are the right fit for you.
Try asking:
- Can you tell me more about the team and work environment?
- What learning opportunities are available for interns/new hires?
- How is performance typically evaluated?
- What projects would I be working on?
Final Tip: Practice Your Elevator Pitch
Be ready to introduce yourself confidently:
- Who You Are: Name, degree, and grad date.
- Why You’re Qualified: Experience, interest, relevant skills.
- Why You’re Here: What you’re looking for in this opportunity.
Try practicing with a friend—or with Big Interview’s elevator pitch tool.
Wrapping Up
Interviewing well is a skill—and like any skill, it gets easier the more you practice. Use the tools and resources at your disposal, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback after your interviews. And remember, CPD is here to help every step of the way.
Looking for more support? Schedule a mock interview or check out our resources at careers.lmu.edu.
